Miles Cross: ‘Predator’ who sold ‘suicide’ drug online for $200 assisted in deaths of two people, court

A man who sold a “death” drug online has been jailed after he admitted to assisting and encouraging the suicides of two people.

Miles Cross, 33, was selling a deadly chemical substance to vulnerable people using a targeted online forum.

North Wales police began investigating Cross in October 2024 after Thames Valley police notified them of a suspected suicide when they found the body of a man who had been missing for weeks.

Officers found Cross had received a $200 payment in exchange for a drug that was suspected to be linked to the man’s death.

As the investigation continued, police discovered Cross had sold these packages to four victims, and had been encouraging each of them to take their lives.

A woman he had been speaking to online tragically did take her own life, and it was later confirmed that the man who died in the Thames Valley area had used a package which Cross had sent to another victim.

Two of the four packages were never used.

The site used by Cross was US-based, and following an Ofcom investigation under the UK’s online safety legislation, a geo-block was implemented which prevents users with UK IP addresses from accessing the site.

Cross admitted to four counts of intentionally doing an act capable of encouraging or assisting the suicide of another.

He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment at Mold Crown Court on January 7.

Chris Bell, a detective superintendent, said Cross had preyed on his victims and “exploited them in their most desperate moments, profiting off their vulnerability and mental wellbeing”.

“Instead of assisting them to seek support, he proactively encouraged them to end their lives and provided them with a means to do so, which tragically and needlessly resulted in two deaths.”

Mr Bell said the survivors of Cross’ plot were integral to the success of the police’s complex investigation.

“Working closely with the survivors enabled my investigation team to secure a successful prosecution against Cross, which we believe to be the first of its kind in the UK, involving the online forum he was using,” he said.

“If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, help is out there. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone.”

If you or someone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.